1975 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1384 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Ford Escort is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1975 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (161 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 923 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
